Directions: Canadice Lake Rd runs along the east side of the lake. Use the entrance on Purcell Hill Rd. to get to the west side trail from the north. The trail ends on the southern end at Canadice Lake Rd.

Description

Canadice Lake holds two titles, the smallest of the Finger Lakes as well as the highest in elevation.

Hemlock and Canadice Lakes once blended in with the rest of the Finger Lakes with cottages along the shore. In 1872 the City of Rochester began buying up the properties surrounding the lakes in preparation for making them a source of clean drinking water for the city. In 1876, Rochester and neighboring communities began utilizing the lakes as a fresh water supply. By 1947 the city had purchased and removed all the cottages from the shore and continued buying adjacent land containing tributaries to protect the water from contamination due to development. This protected area now adds up to over 7,100 acres of watershed around the two lakes. In 2010, much of the city’s land was sold to the state and is run under the management of the Department of Environmental Conservation as Hemlock-Canadice State Forest.

With Lake Ontario being a vast, closer fresh water supply, one would wonder why Rochester would consider looking elsewhere, especially two smaller lakes 25 miles to the south. The answer lies in the lakes’ elevations, which are significantly higher than both Lake Ontario and the city. Having a set of lakes at elevations higher than the city allows for natural water pressure to build up and decreasing the need for robust pumping equipment. It also helps to have an isolated and controlled environment in order to preserve the cleanliness of the city’s water. Although some pumping is needed to draw water from Hemlock Lake, Canadice’s superior elevation builds up so much pressure, the city has no need for pumps.

Canadice’s restricted access and undeveloped shoreline offers an experience you don’t often see on other lakes. Peaceful, calm waters with undeveloped shorelines. A long trail parallels the west side of the lake, offering visitors access to secluded fishing spots as well as excellent views of the surrounding second-growth forest. This trail follows what was once West Lake Rd when the lake was surrounded by cottages.

Canadice Lake Parks / Beaches / Access Points

A permit is no longer required, but please follow the rules and regulations listed on the DEC website.

North End

Description: The land surrounding Canadice Lake is virtually undeveloped. The easiest access point is at the north end where the lake is capped with concrete as part of the Rochester water supply.

Pets: OK on leash, must be cleaned up after. Not allowed near or in the water.

Admission: Free.

Parking: A parking lot at north end (20 Cars) off of Purcell Hill Rd.

Handicap accessibility: No.

Swimming: Not allowed at all. Pets are not allowed to swim either.

Boat Launch: There is a boat launch on the east side of the lake, mid-way down on Canadice Lake Rd. A hand-launch site can be accessed further south. (Map)

Accommodations: Fishing; hiking trails; boat launch.

Contact: DEC: (607) 776-2165; lflands@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Hemlock-Canadice State Forest

Description: The Hemlock-Canadice lakefronts, as well as additional watershed land that encompasses the 6,684 acre state forest, was established to protect the two lakes and the Rochester water supply from contaminants. You are free to explore this land, as long as you adhere to the rules set up by the DEC. Read more here.

Directions: Trails lead from the boat launch areas, or south of the north end (this is a gravel road).

Pets: OK on leash, must be cleaned up after. Not allowed near or in the water.

Admission: Free.

Parking: Roadside.

Handicap accessibility: No.

Swimming: Not allowed.

Boat Launch: There is a boat launch at the north entrance (on the east side of the lake) and one hand/car-top launch at the southeast end of the Lake. Both off of 15A. (Map)

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